Hello everyone!
So I just love my new wheels!
Sucker goes like mad, I'm used to driving my Ford Ranger P/U.
It's a 2002 Mini S with some upgrades - pulley system, cold air intake, Borla exhaust.
Apparently Dyno'd at 185 hp at the wheel.

Just bought it yesterday and DID have it checked out by a Mini Dealer prior to coughing up the $$$.
Was told that the rather loud reverberating hum coming from the rear of the car (filling the cabin) was because of -

A. rather worn rear wheels are "scalloping" and having felt them, I realize they do have some lumps.
B. the bearings may be going.
C. a combination of both.

Does anyone have any experience with this ?
Was told by the dealership that even if it IS the bearings, that's not extrordinarally expensive.
Of course, they're a BMW place so "affordable" is basically a realtive term.

Love this site.
Any help would be much appreciated.
John

 

Is the noise cyclical and does it increase with speed?

 

Welcome to NAM!

 

Welcome

 

Thanks for the welcome you guys.
Hmm, just climbed out of it after taking son to wrestling practice.

I'd say that the noise gets louder with speed.
Cyclical ? It is a sort of toned down hum that has a repeating pattern to it.
I want to say a flater, deeper version of a dijeredoo (sp? - Australian aboriginal instument).

Well, my kids are impressed - impervious as they are to the road noise that's going to quickly drive me crazy.

Will invest in some new sneaks for the rear and then move forward with bearings if that doesn't clear it up.

 

Welcome.

Try rubbing your hands on the tread of the tires do they feel like you are rubbing the wrong way against scales. If they do check the fronts and see if they feel the same if not try rotating and see if the noise changes, moves to the front.

I bought a used 03 and one tire was cupped. It made a good bit of noise. I repalced the wheels and tires but I still run the stock one in the winter and the noise is very noticable since there is virtually no sound deadening material in the rear wheel well.

 

Welcome to NAM. You came to the right place to ask questions. I wish tI was more able to help you, I am a newby also.
Happy Motoring.

- KP

 

I'm going to chaulk it up to what the dealership's tech guy suggested - tires.
Will try that first.

Just starting to understand what these cars are about, damned if they're not FUN.
"Whole 'nuther World, Jim...."

 

If your tires are bad, you'll hear a "wawawawawawa" sound. It will get louder and faster as you speed up. To avoid this problem in the future, I've always gotten a 4 wheel alignment when I put tires on. It's a good investment protector.
Good luck with your new MINI. I'm sure you're really going to like it.

POWER to the MINI's!

 

Welcome to NAM!